A 1,500-square-foot mural showcasing the collaborative work of Portland's urban artists has been torn down as part of a local nightclub's $9.1 million expansion project.

The Asylum nightclub's famed graffiti wall, which had once served as an open canvas for street artists and taggers, was destroyed on Monday.

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The demolition of one of Portland's most frequented landmarks was part of the nearly 20-year-old concert venue's quest to expand. The project will add a second floor to parts of the nightclub's structure and expand the building back further into a rear parking lot.

The additional space will allow Asylum to hold more seated events with a larger capacity.

Asylum's owners say a wall on the north side of the club will remain open to artists.